Gurnee Grade School To Be Demolished

Each time the building flooded, the price tag for cleanup was around $300,000, according to Hutton.

“To save the building was costing us more than it would be to replace it, and that’s why FEMA became involved in it, too, because they do those same projections, and they determined the same thing,” Hutton said.

The school now sits vacant, replaced by a new building in January.

The land will be put to good use once the old building is torn down.

“We’re going to take that space and turn it into green space, soccer fields, parking areas … gardens, and it’s going to be a nice enhancement for the community.” Hutton said.

Bricks from the old building will be sold as souvenirs, starting Monday, when local, county, and state officials will gather for a ceremony to tear down the school.